Petition · Home Office

Review and expand the definition of rape in law

Open for signatures 79 signatures

What the petition asks

Currently, under the law, men and women who are sexually assaulted by women cannot be seen as rape victims due to a definition focused on penetration with a penis, even though many people view this as rape. Female perpetrators can only be charged with other sexual offences. We think this is wrong.
The law should change to include all perpetrators. The government has a large majority and could expand the law or change it entirely to something gender neutral such as any form of sex that is without consent. We think this would better recognise victims in the law and would mean all victims are taken more seriously but is only the first step to support victims. We think the government could easily do this. If you sign this, you could contribute to it being in public debate and to there being the stated change.

Timeline

27 May 2026 Petition opened for signatures

Key facts

Signatures 79
Status Open for signatures
Department Home Office
Opened 27 May 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.